Be-YOU-tiful Adaptive Warrior Angie Heuser

The New Age of Bionics

 







 



What happens to you when you find yourself in a do or die situation?



Hugh Herr was in that position as a teenager, barely making it out alive while doing something he loved and excelled at, a savant at his young age. But he didn't make it out unscathed, he lost both of his legs below the knee.



What would you do? At that young age would you have given up, abandoned your dreams, or hid from life?



Would you believe that this situation inspired Hugh to become a creator, inventor and innovator in the prosthetic world?



He went from a kid set on rising to the top as a professional climber, to figuring out how to navigate life AND climbing again as a bilateral below knee amputee with prosthesis he created!



He changed his path to one of college and higher education. Getting his masters and doctorate degrees from Harvard and MIT, and is currently a professor at the MIT Media Lab and co-leads the Yang Center for Bionics at MIT.



He is known for creating bionic limbs that emulate the movement of natural limbs and has been called the "Leader of the Bionic Age" by Time Magazine.



He has TED talks, authored/co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts and patents, and most recently Hugh and his research group invented the Agonist-Antagonist Myoneural Interface, which is a surgical procedure for limb amputation that allows the person with limb loss to control their synthetic limb with thought.



His research and studies are beyond amazing! The ideas and possibilities to come for those of us with limb loss from what he is inventing are going to be incredible and will make losing a limb less traumatic and more doable with the hope of what we will be capable of accomplishing with such high-tech and realistic bionics.



The age of bionics is growing by leaps and bounds and this past December 2023, I was blessed with the opportunity to work in the MIT Media Lab, meet Hugh, and participate in the current studies with several PhD students. I was blown away, to say the least, by what they are working on and what will be out on the market in the not too distant future. We are going to be seeing more stable, more controllable, and more comfortable fitting prosthesis which will give us our lives back and with more meaning.



 





So, yea, the first time I get to meet Hugh I look like this! Strapped in and ready to do research for the greater good!

 



This week, as we close Limb Loss/Limb Difference Awareness Month with my 4th and final interview with such an important innovator, as Hugh Herr, the pioneer of our bionic age, you do NOT want to miss what he shares about what is up and coming in the world of prosthesis and bionics.



Join me and Hugh Herr for this incredible interview!



Please share today's podcast to bring hope and excitement for what's to come to those in our amputee community.



Again, thank you, Hugh, for giving me the time to talk with you, pick your brain, and for your genius and creativity in helping us gain back our independence and ability to move smoothly despite our limb loss. I am truly inspired and excited for the future.



 



I hope you all enjoy today's podcast and as always,



Be Healthy,



Be Happy,



Be YOU!!!



 



Much love,







 





John, Me and Tony-PhD students from MIT that were in charge of the study.

 



You can watch the NOVA production of Hugh Herr's life: NOVA "Augmented" HERE



 

From Athlete to Inventor: Making the World Better one Prosthetic At a Time





 



An incredible story today of a young man's hard fought journey from super competitive athlete to amputee, to inventor who regained his competitive edge and is helping others do this as well.



Mike's story is one for the books, and write one he did- "Driven to Ride". His story began with huge hopes for a future in motocross racing, something he was great at, but one fateful day he lost his leg and what he was sure to be his career as a professional athlete.



 



However, like I've stated time and again, mindset matters and great people rise because they focus on the dreams and possibilities, not the negative and pitfalls. Mike didn't let his accident and losing his leg, above the knee, stop him from greatness.



His story is one of success, struggles, creativity, and rising again to a level most people couldn't begin to dream.



He used his curiosity and ingenuity to create a new prosthetic out of his own garage, built to take him to higher levels of competition that no other leg on the market could. He has refined it, created the company- BioDapt, and makes these prosthetics for other athletes wishing to take their craft to another level.



Mike's story is one of sheer determination and love for the outdoors and competing. It's incredible to see someone lose a limb and have the mind and knowledge to build, from scratch, an artificial leg for the purposes that he was seeking.



Listen in today to hear his story, how he came to a place that he had to get back up and start over, and how he went from amputee to gold and two-time silver medalist snowboarding Paralympian all while using his very own invention!



This is an inspirational story of never giving up on your dreams, pushing past the struggles, and achieving despite what appeared to be insurmountable circumstances. He could've given up at his young age after his accident, but he had bigger dreams and plans.



Husband, father, inventor, entrepreneur, olympian, and author, you don't want to miss this amazing interview.



Ready to be inspired?







 



Thank you, Mike, for spending time with me and talking about the ups and downs that life has thrown your way and how you kept on rising and following your dreams.



 



Have a blessed week,



As always,



Be Healthy,



Be Happy,



Be YOU!!!



 



Much love,



 







 

Adaptive Surfing with Swell Surf Foot

 







 



The Ocean is healing.



The Mana (power) of the ocean has a way of grounding you and setting you free so you can soar. It's an unbelievable feeling!



Just before my 1 year anniversary of my amputation I traveled to Kauai and tried my hand at surfing. I hadn't been able to get in the ocean, or really any water, for over 5 years due to surgeries and my inability to maneuver because of my injury. I was excited, and nervous.



Once I learned the basics I found a rhythm to surfing, a rhythm to the ocean. I felt the energy it had, and I felt that energy surge through me.



I no longer felt nervous, I felt carefree and alive, and I felt that ANYTHING was possible!



Today I talk with Zach Samalonis, the co-creator/inventor of Swell Surf Foot. He and Yuhan Zhang started this endeavor for a college course. They talked with surfers in the amputee community to get the data they needed to create a prototype, then designed, created and then got a few of their original designs into the hands of amputees ready and willing to try it and give feedback. I was fortunate enough to be one of them.



 





This is my original surf leg and foot alongside the Swell Surf Foot prototype.

 



Today we discuss how this adaptive equipment came to life from thoughts and research to designing and creating.



What amazes me is that neither Zach or Yuhan are amputees, but they were charged with finding a problem that needed to be solved and a community that needed their help for their capstone project their senior year at Thomas Jefferson University. The Swell Surf Foot can help bring surfing to more amputees and also brings those people to the ocean for healing. This low cost, water-proof prosthetic was developed with an increased ankle mobility to allow for correct surfing mechanics. In a world where most adaptive surfers have repurposed and fashioned make-shift surf feet because there was nothing on the market, this was filling a need, and want, in our amputee community.



What a beautiful gift their innovation is for adaptive surfers around the world.



Their dedication solving a problem and filling a need is genuine.



In a world where big companies rule the market, it is awesome to see individuals creating and making their mark.



Listen in to hear Zach talk about their inspiration, production, and dreams for the future of their product.



Find them online, give them a follow, and reach out to them if you'd like to try their product in it's next gen status when it comes out.



 



Thank you Zach for your time today and sharing your story.



I look forward to putting on your surf foot again soon and feeling the freedom and energy of the ocean. Thanks to you and Yuhan, I have found a foot that brings comfortability, grip, and steadiness to my surfing sessions.



 



The ocean is a place for healing and finding freedom.



The Swell Surf Foot is a step in the right direction to getting more amputees out, active, and giving them the peace they need to move forward.







 



Have a blessed week and make sure you subscribe and share so that you and the people you care about don't miss the amazing people coming up next on this podcast; each making a difference in the lives of amputees everywhere with their creativity, ingenuity, and dedication!



Check them out on Instagram @surfwithswell



or at Zachsamdesigns.com



 



As always,



Be Healthy,



Be Happy,



Be YOU!!!



 



Much love,







 

TheraV Founder and CEO Amira Radovic





We are kicking off Limb Loss/Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLLD) with the founder and CEO of TheraV.



Amira found her passion to help people by creating a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical device that helps soften phantom pains through the use of vibration therapy.



Phantom pains are a very real, very painful, and often times disabling reaction after losing a limb. Most amputees will experience some level of phantom pain throughout the course of their lives. I would also say that all amputees feel some sort of phantom sensation (a feeling that the missing limb is still there and feels like pins and needles or a numbing sensation), I know I feel that everyday, all day, but I have become accustom to them.



Phantom pains, on the other hand, are intense. They come without warning, last days, sometimes weeks, and can feel like you are being shocked, set on fire, or like a knife stabbing your limb and cutting you open. I have had the distinct privilege (sarcastic voice) of experiencing those crazy, uncontrollable, and sleep depriving pains four times in my five years of being an amputee! I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy!



Amira's father was a civil engineer and she had dreams of becoming an engineer, herself. She said she was always fascinated with the idea of using technology to enhance the human ability so she studied biomedical engineering at the University of Delaware. As a junior she had an opportunity to work at a prosthetic office. There she was introduced to the mental and physical pain that came with limb loss and the reality of phantom pain. She worked for years and talked to many amputees to come up with her TheraV for phantom pains, despite the lack of data and the stigma that surrounded phantom pains.



This week I had the honor of having her on my podcast to share where her idea came from, how it works, and where she's taking it next. Like all great inventors, she is continuing to dive deeper into the mysterious world of phantom pains, what produces them, what helps, and how she can improve her already amazing product.



I am grateful for the time I got to speak with her and to hear her story, her passion, and what got her into the world of amputees and phantom pain.



An amazing thing about TheraV is that it can also be used by able-bodied individuals for things like restless leg syndrome or CRPS! Amazing, right?



If you are struggling with any of these issues, and would like to be rid of medications you might consider giving TheraV a shot.



Check out her website HERE.







 



With a world of big Pharma and large corporations it's hard for the individual to break into the market. Please visit TheraV website, check them out on social media and give them a follow. By purchasing your own therapy for your home you not only have a safe way to manage pain you are helping Amira reach more people and giving them a chance to live without pain.



Thank you, Amira, for joining my podcast this week and for all you are doing for our amputee community.



Phantom pains are real pains.



Your research and devotion to reducing and eliminating them is so commendable! Thank you!



 







 







 



Remember to subscribe to my podcast so you don't miss out on a month packed with inventors and innovators who are making a huge impact in our amputee community! also. p







lease share this link and podcast with someone who could benefit. My goal is always to help empower and educate those in need. Help me make an impact this month!



 



Thank you and have a blessed week.



As always,



Be Healthy,

The Truth About Being An Amputee





 



Not everyday is a picnic.



This is true for everyone around the world, but when you talk to amputees who lost their limb because of an accident, disease, war, or electively, the operation is just the beginning, not the finale.



Once we heal and begin to transition into a prosthetic- wearing person we are just then beginning to experience what amputee life is like.



I started this podcast, not because I wanted to hear myself speak (I hate hearing my own voice!), but because I wanted to be the voice of reality, and transparency for this community. I wanted to be real, no matter what that was going to look like.



The past 2 weeks have been very hard for me, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Even though I have enjoyed traveling with my family, skiing and walking the Vegas strip, my residual limb has been struggling to fit properly into my skin fit socket. When the fit isn't right it swells and becomes hard and very sore. Then through the night it settles down a little but then the next day I try to put my prosthetic on only to have an ill fit again, making it worse throughout the day.



Mind you, I have had this socket for over a year and I haven't experienced this, then after being at higher elevations, flying, skiing without it on, I find myself not fitting well.



There's not much to do about it but hope that I “normalize” again, soon, before it gets any worse.







This is the life of an amputee.



Some of us look like it's all roses, but were have our days and even weeks (and some struggle for months) but we can hide it well.



Transparency is important to me because so many amputees that I've talked to are so frustrated because the ones they see on social media are living life and doing so well (you know, only showing the best moments) and they are not. They, and maybe YOU are one of them, that can't figure out how you will ever wear your prosthesis or walk in it. If you'll ever be comfortable again or without pain.



It is not an easy journey, but you can succeed in this life.



You have to understand the reality of your new circumstance and what it entails, really, before you can just be running along in your prosthetic leg. it doesn't happen over night. it takes practice, patience, and a lot of faith.



You will feel knocked down at times, but you must get up again and keep trying, keep pushing forward.



Don't give up....



This too shall pass and you will find your way through the challenges and struggles.



 







 



I have a simple task and request for this week.



Next month, April, is Limb Loss/Limb Difference Awareness Month and I have a full month of interviews with AMAZING individuals who have spent time creating, inventing, and innovating designs and products to help our amputee community.



You really don't want to miss out on an episode in April so my CTA is simple:



Subscribe to my podcast and my YouTube channel (BAWarrior360) so you don't miss any of these special people and the work they are doing. Plus, please share my podcast with someone you care about who you think could benefit from some positivity and encouragement as they navigate amputation or even medical circumstances that they struggle with.



 







 



That's it! Subscribe, Like, Share!



I hope to continue to grow my audience so I can help and motivate more and more people in the world.



Thank you, warriors, from the bottom of my heart!



Have a beautiful and blessed week until next time!



 



And as always,



'Be Healthy,



Be Happy,

Skiing as an Amputee

 





The Canyons, Park City, Utah 2024

 



I don’t know about you but, sitting in a lodge, sipping a drink in front of a fire sounds wonderful. Doesn’t it?



However, I did that for 5 years, while my family all skied and I sat there with tears in my eyes, missing those special moments I knew I’d never get back.



My husband taught me to ski when we were teenagers. We had dreams of teaching our own kids someday and the retiring and skiing through life. 2013 struck me with a knee injury that sidelined me for 5 years! Then, by 2018 I elected to amputate my left leg above the knee.



 



My first goal, 3 1/2 months after amputation?  SKI!





Nice and easy

 





This is why I face my fears

 





Looks like I have 2 legs!!

 



Fast forward to last week and I can honestly tell you that despite my love of skiing and being with my family up on the mountains again, the fears I face before each day really try to take me down. Facing fears is no easy task, and yes, while sitting by the fireplace and sipping a drink in the warmth of a lodge is amazing, NOTHING compares to facing your fears and coming out on top! Not to mention, I will never regret getting out and living my life versus watching it pass before my eyes. I want to live life, and maybe that's a product of being sidelined for so many years, but I won't allow my irrational fears take me out of living my best life with my family.







 



Of course I'm going to challenge you to face a fear of yours. You don't need to be an amputee, either. We all have fears that we can choose to face or turn away from. If you have been turning away, now is the time to stand up straight, adjust your hat, and take it head on! You won't regret trying, succeed or fail. Because no matter the outcome, you did it! You faced a fear, overcame that emotion and gave it your best. No matter the outcome, you will know you tried and can feel great about yourself for going the distance.



Don’t let fears derail you and your goals. Stay the course, buckle down for the ride, and know that there is no sweeter victory than facing your fears like the true warrior you are and were built to be!



 



So today, decide what you are afraid of and take it on! Despite the butterflies, emotions that well up and want to hold you back, and no matter the outcome. Just go for it!



Rise up, warriors, rise up and face your fears head on! You will NOT regret it!!



 



Have a beautiful and blessed week!



And as always,



Be Healthy,



Be Happy,



Be YOU!!



 



Much love,







 





Maybe I'll see you on the mountains some day♥